How to Dress Like a Rich Man in a Recession

With the economy in trouble, we find the best reasonably priced clothing, from shoes to overcoats. So you can still look better than your bank account.

Aug 15, 2008

With the economy in trouble, we find the best reasonably priced clothing, from shoes to overcoats. So you can still look better than your bank account.

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It's Official...

After consulting with top economists and applying both Keynesian and monetarist analysis to all available data, we are prepared to classify the U.S. economy as in the crapper. And though there's the temptation to stop buying clothes during tough times, allow us to recommend an alternative: buying clothes. Well-made, great-looking, relatively inexpensive clothes -- clothes of value -- because whether you're interviewing for a new job or trying to hold on to the one you've got, nothing conveys confidence like the fit and finish of new threads. The trick is finding something that's well made, great-looking, and relatively inexpensive, something like this master-of-the-universe suit from Banana Republic (next slide), but we've done the hard part and picked this season's best bargains. No nickel-and-diming. No cutting corners. Just the best clothes for your buck and some tips on how to ride this thing out in style.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Suit: BR Monogram by Banana Republic, $773

This three-piece stands out as much for its sharp cut and pattern as its price. Alternative way to save on suits: Inform coworkers that worn-out tailoring was a trend at the Milan shows.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Briefcase: Cole Haan, $775

Consider your briefcase a long-term investment, and with its construction and finish, this attaché holds its own against cases twice as expensive. Alternative way to save: Show up to your meeting, point to your head, and say, "It's all up here."

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Wool Pants: Hickey, $295

The impish little brother of Hickey Freeman puts its own stamp on a schoolboy staple with a narrow fit and a flat front. Alternative way to save: Pair older trousers with some Grenson Rushden shoes. Instant upgrade.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Casual Shirt: Gant, $115

Gant's "Rugger" shirts are hemmed short so you can untuck with impunity. Alternative way to save: Wear a shirt you already own. But would it kill you to wash it first?

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Overcoat: Hickey, $1,195

Skimp on your winter coat and you'll feel it in your joints until June. This wool overcoat will keep out the chill, and its slimming single-breasted cut won't drown you in fabric. Alternative way to save: Refuse to leave the house when the temperature drops below 40.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Casual Shoe: Grenson Rushden Range, $315

About half the cost of the main line with the same character. Alternative way to save: Take your chances on eBay.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Dress Shirt: Perry Ellis, $70

A Sea Island cotton shirt with French cuffs for $70? Stock up and make them last. Alternative way to save: See "Best Tuxedo."

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Sweater: J.Crew, $188

Cashmere usually falls into two camps -- the suspiciously affordable and the depressingly expensive -- but J.Crew has found a sweet spot in between. Alternative way to save: Master the fine art of the sweater shaver.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Ties: Tommy Hilfiger, $45 each

You won't find a better variety at lower prices, period. Alternative way to save: Buy one plain black tie and wear it every day. Try not to spill.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Watch: Seiko, $550

Stainless steel with a black ionized bezel, it's got a polish that belies its price. Alternative way to save: Learn to use a sundial.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Tuxedo: DKNY, $870

There is no honor in renting, and with this sharply cut two-piece, you can have one at the ready. Alternative way to save: Find a waiter, knock him out, throw him in a closet, put on his tux, and then go find the other Little Rascals.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Jeans: Levi's, $98

The older the brand, the better the quality, since brands generally don't become old by shortchanging their customers. Levi's has been around for 155 years. You do the math. Alternative way to save: Try dressing up for a change.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Dress Shoe: Kenneth Cole, $195

These plain brown cap-toes hit all the important points: classic shape, high shine, and the right amount of attitude. Alternative way to save: Ask a cobbler to refurbish your old pair.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Casual Jacket: Perry Ellis, $295

This waterproof puffer provides all the warmth without physical (or financial) bulk. Alternative way to save: Layers. Lots and lots of layers.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Blazer: Theory, $545

Notice the supersartorial details like contrast pick stitching and working buttonholes. Alternative way to save: Pair an old blazer with a bold pocket square and hope no one notices the blazer.

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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D

Best Leather Jacket: Coach, $898

The sheepskin on this fitted racer only gets better with age. Alternative way to save: Skip any event at which leather attire is absolutely required. Which you should be doing anyway.

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